Once in his private chambers, he called for a secret meeting with his most trusted men . Minister Ren , Minister Minato and sergeant Hiroki included.
Within the privacy of his bedchambers, lit only by flickering candles, Chang Hao paced before three trusted figures: Ministers Ren and Minato, and Sergeant Hiroki. His wet clothing lay discarded on the floor, replaced by simple sleeping robes.
"Speak freely," he commanded, his voice low but carrying the weight of absolute authority. "No one outside this room hears what passes between us tonight."
Minister Ren stepped forward respectfully. "Your Majesty, your decision regarding Lady Bella has created significant unrest within the court. Empress Mei is rallying support against you."
"Let her rally," Chang Hao replied sharply. "Tell me honestly - what do our intelligence networks report concerning Ichiro's movements? Does he sense weakness here?"
Sergeant Hiroki shifted uncomfortably. "His spies are active in every major city, Your Majesty. They've been asking pointed questions about palace politics - particularly about executions and your personal relationships."
He signs dramatically. "Concerning Bella's Banishment. I wish to take her somewhere safe to start a new life. We won't be taking her where we agreed on." He brings out a map and points a small but prosperous quiet town.
"We will give her a new identity and it's far away, so that Mei won't get her classes on her easily." His men glanced at each other confused at his idea, the sighs of of extreme stress etched on his features, threatening to make him old overnight.
Minister Minato leaned closer to examine the map, his brow furrowed with concern. "Your Majesty, this town is isolated but well-connected by trade routes. If Empress Mei discovers Lady Bella's new location, she could send assassins through those very same channels."
Sergeant Hiroki pointed at a neighboring province marked on the map. "Furthermore, Lord Takashi governs that region. He is known for his loyalty to Empress Cheng's family line."
Chang Hao's hands trembled as he traced the route with his finger. "Takashi can be bought. I will offer him lands and titles in exchange for his silence." His voice cracked with exhaustion. "Bella will need protection, resources... a chance to build a new life away from all this corruption."
Minister Ren adjusted his glasses carefully before speaking.Minister Ren adjusted his glasses carefully before speaking. "Your Majesty, while I admire your dedication to protecting Lady Bella, this plan carries enormous risk. Not just for her safety, but for your own reputation."
He gestured toward the map. "If Empress Mei learns you secretly aided your favorite concubine's escape, she will portray it as proof of your mental instability. Her supporters will call for regency council meetings."
Sergeant Hiroki added grimly, "And if Lord Takashi betrays you for greater reward from Empress Mei's faction... Lady Bella becomes an easy target."
Chang Hao sank into a chair beside the fireplace, rubbing his temples wearily. "I know the risks better than anyone. But leaving her to freeze on some barren island goes against everything I believe in."
Minister Minato studied the Emperor's exhausted face sympathetically. "Perhaps there is another way to ensure her safety without compromising your public image so drastically."
Sergeant Hiroki steadied Chang Hao's collapsing form with strong arms, his expression hardening with concern. "Your Majesty, sit down! You're in no condition to think clearly."
Minister Ren quickly poured a cup of warm tea from the bedside table. "Drink this. It will help calm your nerves."
Chang Hao accepted the cup shakily, his eyes unfocused as he stared into the flames dancing in the hearth. "There must be another way... something that protects Bella without destroying everything I've built."
Minister Minato kneeled beside him respectfully. "Perhaps we could arrange for Lady Bella to be sent under false charges? Accuse her of attempted poisoning against Empress Mei instead? This would satisfy public demands for justice while also providing plausible deniability should Empress Mei insist upon execution."
Sergeant Hiroki considered this option carefully."
Minister Ren placed a comforting hand on Chang Hao's shoulder while Sergeant Hiroki retrieved fresh towels to wipe away his tears. Minister Minato looked genuinely distressed by the Emperor's breakdown.
"We understand your anguish, Your Majesty," Minister Ren said softly. "But your public declaration of marriage would have only escalated tensions between factions within the court. Empress Mei would have seen it as direct assault on her position."
Chang Hao lifted his head miserably. "So I was trapped either way? Protecting Bella meant weakening my political standing, while declaring our union would have inflamed Empress Mei's jealousy into outright war?"
Sergeant Hiroki nodded solemnly. "Your situation has always been precarious since marrying both women . Each choice carried consequences."
"Are you out of your mind? ". Chang glares at Minister Minato.
" She already charged with murder. You want me to add another sentence? The court is already unsatisfied with me changing my verdict. If I do that, they will surely kill her before dawn"He puts his head on his free hand, his shoulder trembling as tears start to pour . "
" I can't let my wife die. You hear me, I can't. I should have publicly announced our wedding from the beginning. She would have had more protection against this unfairness....I know she is innocent but I can't prove it. I let her go through all those pain and.... I still couldn't make her my sole Empress in front of everyone". Chang sobbed childishly with regret and disappointment towards his weakness.
Minister Minato's face flushed with embarrassment at the Emperor's sharp rebuke. "Forgive my foolish suggestion, Your Majesty. My apologies for speaking out of turn."
Sergeant Hiroki's jaw tightened as he watched Chang Hao's emotional breakdown. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, we cannot allow your personal feelings to cloud your judgment regarding Lady Bella's safety."
He gripped Chang Hao's shoulder firmly. "If you truly want to protect her, you must act now. Send her away tonight under armed escort. Use the secret passage through the gardens - no one will suspect you're helping her escape."
Minister Ren nodded in agreement. "It's risky, but necessary. Once she's gone, Empress Mei will focus her anger on finding Bella rather than questioning your motives further."
Chang Hao lifted his head slowly, his tear-streaked face reflecting the candlelight.
Minister Minato added thoughtfully, "However, perhaps there is another solution beyond total exile or execution. Could we present evidence suggesting Lady Bella acted in self-defense against Lady Akemi's attack?"